Take something that is good and make it better. That's what Hitachi did with their new WH10DFL 12V Peak Lithium Ion Micro Impact Driver. This impact driver is also part of the KC10DFL 12V Driver Drill and Impact Driver Micro Combo Kit. Features like a smaller size, lighter weight, better batteries and more power are just a few of the improvements that make this new tool stand out. In a market with many new tools in the sub-compact category, it can be a tricky endeavor to add value and good features.

One of the first things we noticed about this tool was the battery style. While many companies have opted for the in-handle design for 12V models, Hitachi stuck with the more traditional style that sports a square based battery.  I point this out because I like this design a lot better than some of the in-handle designs. There are a couple reasons for this. For one, I can balance the impact driver on the battery end and have it stand up, which in some cases makes it easier to grab rather than setting it down on its side like other sub compacts. My second reason is that I like the battery bulge on the end of the handle because, when you are up on a ladder and you are using a universal drill hook, it gives something for the tool to hang from.

In our comparison of the old impact driver to the new, we were able to see that the upper hand went to the new WH10DFL. The overall dimensions of the new impact driver shrunk considerably in comparison to its older brother. Even compared to some of the other sub-compact impact drivers on the market, the body on this Hitachi is among the smallest. With 840 in/lb of torque, the impact driver has the guts needed to sink almost anything you would be able to throw at it. We used it for sending in self tapping screws into an aluminum door frame, for driving a multitude of different screws with both Philips and hex heads and also for putting in some 1/4" lag bolts. Three inch deck screws were also sent home without any trouble. For its minimal size, this impact driver delivers great results. Of course, to add to its usefulness, an LED work light was added that very effectively illuminated dark work areas.

Conclusion

The Hitachi WH10DFL 12V Peak Lithium Ion Micro Impact Driver really offers super compact size and big tool power. Combine this with Hitachi's new 10-Year Lithium Ion Tool Warranty and you will have a tool that will definitely be a permanent part of your tool collection. With the obvious improvements over the last 12V combo kit, this new set is the way to go. For our Performance rating we gave this driver an 8/10 because it shows great power and compact size. For our Value rating we gave the set an 8/10 because it is hard to beat the long warranty period and the competitive price.

Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A.
Hitachi Power Tools (Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd) offers an extensive line of professional grade power tools and accessories for woodworking, metalworking, drilling and fastening, concrete drilling and cutting as well as a complete line of pneumatic nailers, staplers, compressors and collated fasteners. From headquarters in Atlanta, GA, and satellite offices in the United States and Canada, Hitachi Power Tools supports nearly 2000 retail locations carrying Hitachi tools and over 1000 authorized service centers.